The pandemic year has changed what companies look for in job candidates. Here are the skills that now top the list.

A lot has changed about the job market in the last year, including where we work, how we work, how we meet and frankly, whether a lot of people get to work at all.

The pandemic experience also changed what companies are looking for in job candidates. This is according to a survey of hiring managers that found the majority (71%) say the pandemic has changed the qualities they look for in hires.

“Ability to work independently” is essential

It should come as no great surprise that the most important quality they listed is the ability to work independently, with 94% saying it’s “essential.” Now that so many people are working from home and many don’t want to return to the office soon or at all, the need to self-govern is big. Here’s the list of top qualities hiring managers said they’re not looking for, in order of importance:

1. Ability to work independently

2. Ability to handle stress

3. Flexibility

4. Communication

5. Being self-guided

This matches some of what we stated earlier this year regarding skills you’ll need to thrive post-COVID lockdown. We listed the following on our list:

Adaptability. As businesses and workers adapt to a series of new normals, we all have to adjust to new ways of working and of being together as colleagues in all industries. Time management. As people will continue to work remotely, the ability to effectively and autonomously manage one’s time will be of high value to employers. Problem-solving. Hiring managers will be looking for adept out-of-the-box thinkers as a society and the businesses grapple with new problems needing fresh solutions.   Communication. Communication will be key as people continue to work remotely and have fewer face-to-face interactions. New ways of communicating and interacting are going to require focus on different types of communication skills.